Sumo Glossary Sumo Glossary Elevated area for visitors and oyakata in the practice area of a heya . Akebono Dawn Akebono Taro - real name Chad Rowan - the 64th Yokozuna (grand champion). With 220-230kg he was literally one of the "giants" of the modern age! The first rikishi born outside of Japan to rise to the highest rank in Ozumo in 1993, he is considered to be a "Great Yokozuna" not only because of his 11 tournament wins, but also because of the impresive way in which he used to overwhelm his opponents with tsuppari and nodowa thrusts, often blasting them out of the ring like a bulldozer. Akebono performed a special Yokozuna Dohyo-Iri at the opening ceremony of the Nagoya winter olympics in 1998. He finally retired in January, 2001 due to a lasting knee injury. His greatest rival was the 65th Yokozuna Takanohana Koji , who retired in January, 2003.

Following in the footsteps of his Oyakata Azumazeki (aka former Hawaiian Sekiwake Takamiyama), Akebono rose rapidly through the ranks from his debut in March 1988 to his Makuuchi debut in September 1990. What followed was an even more rapid rise to Ozeki. The Hawaiian behemoth needed only 11 Makuuchi tournaments to achieve the same rank as his countryman Konishiki. In the process Akebono won his first Yushu in May, 1992 while being ranked at Sekiwake at the crucial time when Konishiki had just won his final tournament two months earlier. And while Konishiki would never again taste the ultimate victory and see his dream of becoming the first foreign born Yokozuna go up in smoke, Akebono achieved that very dream by winning two back-to-back yusho in glorious fashion at the Kyushu 1992 and Hatsu 1993 tournaments.

The new Yokozuna would go on to dominate both the year 1993 by winning his 4th, 5th and 6th yusho in consecutive basho and to dominate his rival Takanohana as well. Takanohana had by now risen to the rank of Ozeki and was denied Yokozuna promotion virtually by Akenono's opposition alone. In the period that followed, however, spanning roughly from 1994 through 1998, the tables were turned and Takanohana became the dominant rikishi. Plagued by injuries (mainly to his knees), Akebono would go on to win his 7th (March, 1994), 8th (March, 1995) and 9th (May, 1997) yusho in this period, but was only rarely capable of sustaining his characteristic dominance in the ring through the final days of the basho. But in the year 2000, following a year of dominance by Musashimaru (the 2nd Hawaiian Yokozuna), Akebono once again managed to regain his outstanding form.

He finished the year wih an excellent 76-14 win-loss record, added two more yusho (numbers 10 and 11) to his total, as well as three runner-up records (his 11th, 12th and 13th), before bowing out gracefully after 48 basho at the rank of Yokozuna. Akeni Personal trunk used by sekitori for storage of personal items. Aki Fall One of the six yearly honbasho (official sumo tournaments). Held in September at the Kokugikan in the Ryogoku area of Tokyo. Amasumo The senior wrestlers of a heya . See also shin-deshi Arakida soil n/a Soil taken from the banks of the Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture, traditionally favored for use in forming the dohyo (sumo ring) because of its high clay content. Asashoryu n/a Asashoryu Akinori - real name Dolgusuren Dagvadorj - the 68th Yokozuna (grand champion).

From the moment this skilful rikishi from Mongolia joined professional Sumo in January 1999 it was clear that he was destined for greatness. Losing only three official bouts in his first year he quickly climed up the ranks and managed to make his debut in the payed ranks in September 2000. After slightly more than a year of adjusting to the higher echelon of Ozumo, Asashoryu soon began showing signs of domating the other rikishi, and by the middle of 2002 it was clear that stopping this relatively small but muscular athlete from achieving the highest rank in the sport would be near to impossible. With a determination bordering on maniacal and a skil that reminds many of great champions like Chiyonofuji and Takanohana , the Mongolian menace secured promotion to the rank of Ozeki in the same year with two Jun-Yusho (runner-up positions) in May and July of 2002, and after winning his 1st (November 2002) and 2nd Yusho (January 2003) soon afterwards, his elevation to the highest rank in professional Sumo was no surprise to anyone.

To underline the total domination of all his competitors, Ashoryu went on to win 5 yusho in 2004 and all 6 yusho in 2005! This period of brilliance included 4 zensho yusho , a rensho (winning streak) of 35 consecutive bouts and a record-setting 7 consecutive string of yusho! At the age of 25, Asashoryu is currently at the peak of his strength and many believe he will go on to challenge or improve Taiho 's record of 32 yusho. But to do so he will not only have to remain free from injuries but also overcome the incrasng skill and strength of two new Ozeki: His countryman Hakuho and the tall Kotooshu from Bulgaria. B Banzuke n/a The official sumo ranking sheet published before each of the six honbasho (official tournaments) which are held on a yearly basis. Click here to view the latest banzuke for the top two divisions. Basho n/a Sumo tournament of any kind; often used as a shortened form of the word " honbasho ", meaning official tournament.

In-between the official honbasho the rikishi usually travel Japan (and sometimes the world) to compete in jungyo . Beya Bintsuke n/a Wax used for grooming the topknot of sekitori. Usually made from a soybean extract. See also oicho-mage and tokoyama . Butsugaru-geiko n/a Typical sumo exercise - part of the keiko , where a rikishi runs into a heya-mate and pushes him to the edge of the dohyo . C Chanko-nabe n/a (also: Chanko): A stew containing vegetables, seafood and meat; the main meal of rikishi and others in the sumo world. Chanko is rich in protein in order to gain weight, which ensures better balance and a lower point of gravity for the rikishi. Chaya n/a Tea houses which are locaed inside the building od the Sumo arena. Tickets can also be purchased here. Chikara gami strength paper In one of the many typical sumo rituals the rikishi wipe their lips with these sheets of paper just before matches, after rinsing out their mouths with " chikara mizu ".

Chikara mizu strength water Rikishi rinse out their mouths with this water just before matches, during the pre-bout rituals ( shikiri ). Chiyonofuji Thousand Year Fuji Chiyonofuji Mitsugu - the 58th Yokozuna (grand champion). Nicknamed "The Wolf", this remarkably agile rikishi is considered to be one the greatest of the TV era. With 31 yusho (tournament wins) under his belt he dominated much of the 1980's and the early 1990's. After holding the Yokozuna rank for no less than 59 basho (nearly 10 years) he finally retired in 1991. After his active Sumo career he became a shisho (stable master) and is currently known as Kokonoe Oyakata . Among his deshi (pupils) is Ozeki Chiyotaikai . Chonmage n/a Traditional hairstyle - The relatively simple topknot worn by lower ranked rikishi at all times, and by members of the higher ranks on informal occasions. See also Oichomage .

D Regional tours ( jungyo ) featuring all the rikishi ranked at " jonidan " or higher. Danpatsu-shiki n/a That part of the " intai-zumo ", or day marking the retirement of a salaried rikishi, in which his topknot is ceremonially cut off. Degeiko Practice sessions taken by rikishi to competing heya to get acquainted with their rivals' techniques. Deshi pupil/disciple A member of a " heya ", or stable, and thus coached by the elder who runs it. Dohyo Any of the ring entering ceremonies performed by salaried rikishi ( sekitori ). Dohyo matsuri n/a A shinto-style ceremony, held prior to each tournament, in which the ring is purified and blessed. E The lacquered black hat worn during tournaments by " gyoji " (referees). F Fumidawara stepping-bales Additional " tawara ", or rice bales, sunk into the sides of the base of the ring and used as steps. Fusa The tassels which are hanging down from the roof above the dohyo Fusen Win or loss by default during a tournament.

Fusenhai n/a Also Fusenpai. Loss by default caused by failing to show up for a match because of injury. Fusensho n/a Win by default, caused when your opponent fails to show up for a match because of injury. Futabayama Futabayama Sadaji. The 35th Yokozuna . He is widely regarded as one of the best riksihi of all times, dominating much of the late 1930 and al of the early to mid 1940's until his retirement in November of 1945. During his illustrious career he won a total of 12 Yusho, winning 88.2% of his matches (180-24) as Yokozuna! G Gaijin rikishi foreign rikishi Term to refer to rikishi who were born outside of Japan. To date six Gaijin rikishi have achieved the rank of Ozeki or higher: Konishiki, Akebono , Musashimaru (all three from the USA) and Asashoryu and Hakuho (both from Mongolia) and Kotoshu (from Bulgaria).

Ginboshi An upset of an Ozeki by a maegashira . See also Kinboshi , Shiroboshi, Kuroboshi. Gino-sho n/a Technique Prize. One of the three " Sansho " or special prizes which are usually awarded on the last days of a honbasho to rikishi who has performed exceptionally well during the tournament. See also " Kanto-sho " and " Shukun-sho ." Gunbai The lacquered wooden board decorated with a long tassel, held by the " gyoji " (referees). Gyoji Hanazumo n/a Special exhibition tournaments, usually sponsored by television stations and held in January, May and September. Other hanazumo are the one day intai-zumo held to mark the retirement of salaried rikishi. Haridashi n/a "Additional" rikishi from the " sanyaku " (sumo's four highest ranks). Officially, there are to be no more than two rikishi at each rank, but in fact there are often more.

When this occurs, those who turned in the least impressive performance at the previous tournament are simply considered "additional", and listed on the part of the banzuke that juts out to either side in a T-shape. Heya n/a (Also: "Beya"). A so-called "stable", or group of rikishi training under a particular master (" shisho "). Alternatively, the place where this group lives and trains. Heyagashira The highest ranking rikishi within a heya . Higashi n/a The right-hand, or east, side of the banzuke, traditionally considered more prestigious than the west (" nishi "). Also, the left side of the ring, as viewed from the front (the north). Rikishi assigned to the banzuke 's east also enter the ring from that side. Honbasho n/a Official sumo tournaments, currently held six times each year during all odd numbered months (see also basho ). For the salaried rikishi or sekitori who occupy the top two divisions of Makuuchi and Juryo these tournaments last 15 days, and for all lower divisions 7 days.

During a basho each rikishi must fight one opponent per day and whoever has the most wins at the end will win the championship ( yusho ) for his particular division. In case of a tie between two or more rikishi a playoff (kettei) will decide the winner. The six yearly honbasho are: Hatsu Basho - January - Tokyo - Ryogoku Kokugikan Haru Basho - March - Osaka - Osaka City Gymnasium Natsu Basho - May - Tokyo - Ryogoku Kokugikan Nagoya Basho - July - Nagoya - Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium Aki Basho - September - Tokyo - Ryogoku Kokugikan Kyushu Basho - November - Fukuoka, on Kyushu island - Fukuoka International Center Hyoshigi The wooden "clappers" which are sounded by the yobidashi before the day's final bout. I Ichidai toshiyori n/a One-generation elder status conferred as an honor upon outstanding Yokozuna . Rikishi who receive this status become elders under the names they used in the ring, rather than taking on one of the 105 recognized names used by elders.

The name is called "one-generation" because it ceases to exist as an elder name when the man leaves the sumo world upon mandatory retirement at age sixty-five. Ichimon n/a A group of heya , often an older one and all those that eventually branched off from it. Ichomage One-day exhibition tournaments held at the Kokugikan to commemorate the retirement of salaried rikishi. Isu Balcony seats at the sumo arena. J The rank just above Jonokuchi . Sumo's largest rank, with about four hundred rikishi at present. Jonokuchi The lowest division, to which new recruits are promoted in their second tournament. Jungyo Regional tours, during which exhibition matches are held. Jun-Yusho n/a The runner-up spot at a basho , finishing in second place behind the Yusho winner, either by losing to him in a playoff when you have the same amount of wins at the end, or by finishing with the second best win-loss record of all rikishi in your division. The Jun-Yusho of a division is often shared by two or more rikishi. Juryo n/a Second highest division, containing the lowest ranking salaried rikishi.

The point at which rikishi, for the first time, receive their own attendants, a salary and the ceremonial apron called the " keshomawashi ". Juryo-kaku Qualification to referee juryo -level bouts. K A winning record (greater number of wins than losses during a single tournament). Kanjin-sumo The seventeenth century charity tournaments that gradually developed into professional sumo. Kari-kabu n/a Borrowed elder names. A salaried rikishi who retires without first obtaining an elder name (" toshiyori-kabu ") must leave the world of sumo forever. But if none of the 105 elder names is available, or the rikishi's funds are insufficient to purchase one when he wishes to retire, he may borrow a name for a short time. Kanto-sho n/a Fighting Spirit Award. One of the three " Sansho " or special prizes which are usually awarded on the last days of a honbasho to rikishi who has performed exceptionally well during the tournament. See also " Gino-sho " and " Shukun-sho ." Keiko Practice sessions usually held in the heya , or during jungyo .

Kekka n/a The result of a sumo match. The term is more commonly used to describe the chart of results of a whole tournament day. See Shiroboshi , Kurobosh i, Yasumi , Kinboshi , Ginboshi . Kensho Prize money awarded by sponsors to the winners of specific makuuchi bouts. Kesho-mawashi n/a The heavy, decorated aprons given to rikishi by their patrons and worn during the ring-entering ceremony. Kinboshi An upset of a Yokozuna by a maegashira . Kinjite Fouls, including punching, twisting an opponent's fingers, poking him in the eye, etc. Kimarite n/a The eighty-two techniques recognized by the Sumo Association as ways to win matches. Until January, 2001 there were 70 recognized techniques. For a complete overview please refer to the Kimarite list . Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Toshimitsu. The 55th Yokozuna . Won a total of 24 Yusho during his career, which puts him in 3rd place overall behind Taiho (32) and Chiyonofuji (31).

Koen-kai n/a Associations of fans who support a particular heya , helping to pay for daily upkeep, promotion, scouting, etc. Rikishi may also have their own koen-kai. Kokugi Literally, the national sport; Sumo. Kokugikan The sumo arena in Tokyo's Ryogoku area. Komusubi The rank above maegashira ; lowest of the sanyaku ranks. Kuroboshi black star Indication on the Kekka (win-loss chart) that a particular rikishi has lost his bout on a given day. Nowadays this is usually indicated with a closed or black circle. See also Shiroboshi , Kinboshi , Ginboshi , Yasumi . Kyujo injury Forced absence of an injured rikishi. A rikishi can be kyujo from the day after he sustained the injury, and sometimes for a partial, whole, or several tournaments when he is still recoering from the injury. See Yasumi . L The salaried rank just above Juryo .

Maezumo Mage n/a The topknots that were the most common hairstyle for men of the Edo period (1600-1867). Still worn by rikishi. See also " chonmage ", " oichomage ". Make-koshi A losing record (greater number of losses than wins during a single tournament). Makuuchi n/a (Also: Makunouchi). The top division of sumo ranks, comprising yokozuna , ozeki , sekiwake , komosubi and maegashira . (In other words, all salaried rikishi except the lowest ranking of that group, those in the juryo ). Makuuchi dohyo-iri n/a The group ring-entering ceremony performed by all members of the makuuchi except any yokozuna . This ceremony occurs after all the juryo bouts have ended. Makuuchi-kaku Qualification to referee bouts between makuuchi -level rikishi. Makushita The highest of the unsalaried divisions. Few rikishi are promoted beyond this point.

Makushita tsukedashi n/a The rank at the bottom of the Makushita where special provision is made for qualified college sumo stars to begin their professional careers. Masu-seki n/a Box seats at the ground floor of the Kokugikan. Each box is designed to hold four people. See also Sajiki-seki . Matawari n/a A form of exercise used to limber up for training sessions. Sitting on the ground with his legs as far apart as possible, the rikishi tries to lower his chest to the ground. Matta False start to a sumo bout. Mawashi The belt, made of either silk or cotton, which rikishi wear during matches. Mizuhiki-maku The curtain that hangs from the " yakata " and is decorated with the Sumo Association crest. Mono-ii n/a A conference among the judges which may be called in order to reconsider a referee's decision on a particularly close bout. Musashimaru n/a Musashimaru Koyo - real name Fiamalu Penitani - the 67th Yokozuna (grand champion).

Born on Samoa and raised on Hawaii this strong and heavy rikishi followed in the footsteps of Akebono to become the second foreign born Yokozuna. Achieved the rank of Ozeki in 1994 and won 5 tournaments at that rank before finally earning his promotion to Sumo's highest rank after the Haru Basho of 1999. He has since more than proven to be a worthy Yokozuna by winning another seven tournaments between 1999 and 2002, bringing his total to an impressive twelve Yusho before his retirement in November 2003! Myoseki n/a The 105 names available to sumo elders, one of which a salaried rikishi must purchase or borrow before announcing his retirement if he is to remain in the sumo world as an elder. N Techniques consisting of various kinds of throws. Nihon Sumo Kyokai Japan Sumo Association. The official governing body of professional Sumo. Nishi n/a The rikishi on the left-hand, or west, side of the banzuke. Also, the right side of the ring, as viewed from the front (the north).

See " higashi ". O Oichomage n/a Special hairstyle. The elaborate topknot which resembles a ginko leaf. It is worn by sekitori only during tournaments and on other formal occasions. See also chonmage . Oyakata n/a Elders. Retired rikishi who have reached the makuuchi division for at least one tournament or spent twenty-five tournaments in juryo (or twenty consecutively), obtain an elder name and have Japanese citizenship are eligible to become elders. Elders either act as " shisho " - running their own heya - or coach at someone else's. All help manage the Sumo Association. Ozeki The second highest rank in Sumo, below Yokozuna . P Rengo-geiko n/a Large-scale training sessions involving all or most of the senior rikishi; alternatively, a practice session by all the heya belonging to a particular ichimon . In both cases, held just prior to tournaments. Renpai A consecutive losing streak. The opposite of Rensho . Rensho n/a A consecutive winning streak.

The all-time record is held by the great Yokozuna Futabayama with a rensho of 69 shiroboshi, followed by Tanikaze with 63 and Umegatani I with 58. In the modern era (after the 6 basho a year "system" was introduced in 1958) Chiyonofuji leads the pack with 53, followed by Taiho with 45 and Asashoryu with 35 consecutive wins. Rijicho President of the Sumo Association. Rikishi Literally, "strong man." Often referred to in English as "sumo wrestlers." S Alternative term for masu-seki , or box seats on the ground floor at the Kokugikan . Each box is designed to hold four people. Sandanme n/a The division just above jonidan . Less than half of all newcomers to the sport will advance beyond this rank. Sansho n/a Three additional prizes, each of which is awarded at tournament's end, to one rikishi ranked in the makuuchi .

These are the Kantosho, or Fighting Spirit Prize, the Shukunsho, or Outstanding Performance Award, and the Ginosho, or Technique Prize. Sanyaku n/a Sumo's three highest ranks - those above maegashira: komusubi , sekiwake and ozeki Officialy Yokozuna is not a rank, but an honorary title, so technically it is not a sanyaku rank. Sashichigai n/a A decision by the judges to overturn a referee's call on a match, and declare the losing rikishi the winner. Sumai no sechi-e Large-scale sumo festivals held at the Imperial Palace as early as the eighth century. Seigen jikan ippai n/a Words the referee says to the rikishi when the judge assigned to act as timekeeper (" tokei-gakari ") gives the signal for the match to begin. Sekitori Salaried rikishi; in other words, those ranked at juryo or higher. Sekiwake The third-highest rank in Sumo, above komusubi and below ozeki . Senshuraku The final day of a tournament.

Shihon-bashira n/a The four pillars that traditionally supported the roof over the sumo ring. These pillars were done away with, and the roof suspended from the stadium ceiling, in 1952 in order to facilitate the television broadcasts of the sport which began the following year. Shikiri An elaborate series of rituals performed by rikishi before each bout. Sometimes popularly referred to as the "salt-throwing ceremony". Shikiri-sen n/a The starting lines from behind which rikishi make the initial charge, or " tachi-ai ", that opens each bout. Shiko n/a A basic form of exercise used to strengthen the legs and improve balance. The rikishi raises one leg out to the side as high as possible, then brings it back down with a stamp of his foot. Shikona n/a The ring names given to rikishi, which may be changed several times over the course of a career, especially in recognition of important promotions. Shimekomi The silk mawashi worn by salaried rikishi during tournaments. Shin-deshi Young rikishi; also, new recruits into a heya . See also ani-deshi .

Shin-deshi kensa The physical examination which all rikishi must pass before participating in their first tournament. Shinitai dead body A ruling by the judges that one rikishi - though he has not touched the ground or gone out of the ring - is in a position from which he cannot possibly recover. Quite rare. Shinpan One of two of two types of ring-entering ceremony performed by yokozuna . Shiroboshi white star Indication on the torikumi (win-loss chart) that a particular rikishi has won his bout on a given day. Nowadays this is usually indicated with an open or white circle. See also Kuroboshi , Kinboshi , Ginboshi , Yasumi . Shisho n/a An oyakata who owns and manages a heya . Less than half of sumo's 105 elders fall into this category. Shitaku-beya n/a The changing room within a sumo stadium or other side site of a tournament or exhibition. Shokkiri n/a Comical display, including demonstrations of sumo fouls and other horseplay, performed by lower ranking rikishi during regional tours (" jungyo ") and special exhibitions (" hanazumo ").

Shozoku The garment worn by referees, derived from Heian-period of court dress. Shukun-sho n/a Outstanding Performance Award. One of the three " Sansho " or special prizes which are usually awarded on the last days of a honbasho to rikishi who has performed exceptionally well during the tournament. See also " Gino-sho " and " Kanto-sho ." Shussei hiro n/a Ceremony usually held on the eighth day of a tournament, in which each new recruit is introduced by name to the audience. Suna-kaburi The single seats closest to the dohyo in official and exhibition tournaments. T The initial charge rikishi make toward one another at the beginning of a bout. Tachimochi Sword bearer; one of the two attendants in the yokozuna dohyo-iri (see also " tsuyuharai "). Tachi-seki Standing room tickets at the sumo arena. See also sajiki-seki , masu-seki . Taiho Taiho Koki. The 48th Yokozuna. He still holds the record mark of 32 Yusho.

After his active Sumo career he was granted one-generation elder stock and thus became a shisho (stable master). Taiko n/a Traditional drum played by yobidashi on the day before a basho is to begin and once a day between 6 and 6.30 pm after the day's matches are over. See also "yagura". Takanohana Koji Noble Flower Takanohana Koji - real name Hanada Koji - the 65th Yokozuna (grand champion). His greatest rival was the 64th Yokozuna Akebono Taro , who retired in January 2001. While rising through the ranks together with his older brother, the 66th Yokozuna Wakanohana Masaru , in the early 1990's, it soon became apparent that this was no ordinary rikishi. With an incredible display of both technique (centering on a "migiyotsu," or right hand inside mawashi grip, favoring the kimarite of yorikiri) and determination to win he makes Sumo look so easy that his style of sumo is sometimes (mistakenly) described as being "boring".

And while Taka certainly had an advantage over some of his rivals because of his membership of the strong Futagoyama-beya, it is clear that he would have made it to the top no matter what. Takanohana won his first Makuuchi championship in January 1992 while being ranked at Maegashira 2 East, and was promoted to the rank of Ozeki after the Hatsu Basho of 1993. Takanohana would have become Yokozuna that same year if not for the dominance of his great rival Akebono. But following year Takanohana managed to raise his sumo by yet another level and the inevitable promotion to Yokozuna followed in November of 1994 after winning two consecutive tournaments (his 6th and 7th over all) without losing a single match, a feat which has not been repeated until the present day. Takanohana went on to dominate professional Sumo for nearly three years, winning another 11 titles between 1995 and 1997, before falling victim to a serious of injuries.

For that reason Takanohana was unable to set the pace between 1998 and the latter half of the year 2000, but as of 2001 he seemed to have regained most (if not all) of his dominance. This was underlined by his two yusho in 2001. But during his defeat of Yokozuna Musashimaru in the playoff of the 2001 Natsu basho, Taka further aggravated a serious knee injury he had sustained on day 14. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for a record of 7 basho before finally returning in the Aki basho of 2002, where he got the Jun-Yusho with a respectable 12-3 record, losing the decisive battle to Musashimaru on senshuraku ! After another absence in November 2002 , Takanohana was unsuccessful in sustaining his comeback, however. Hopes were high when he entered the Hatsu basho in January, 2003, but from the start it was clear that the once dominant Yokozuna could no longer control his opponents like before.

Injuring his shoulder on day 2 only aggrevated Takanohana's troubles and after losing to Dejima on day 7 and being thrown around the ring by tiny Aminishiki on day 8, Takanohana announced his retirement the following morning and finished his last basho with a 4-4-1 record. A sad ending to a glorious career! With 22 yusho behind his name Takanohana is second only to the top three yusho winners of the modern era: Taiho (32 yusho), Chiyonofuji (31) and Kitanoumi (24), and no one knows what he might have achieved if his career hadn't been cut short by his injuries. Tategyoji n/a Chief referees, whose number is limited to two and whose names are fixed as Kimura Shonosuke and Shikimori Inosuke. Special provision is also made for recognizing them as elders, though they are not former rikishi. Tawara n/a Straw bales packed tightly with dirt and placed in a circle on the dohyo , forming the area inside which the match takes place. Tenno-hai n/a The Emperor's Cup.

Measuring 96.5 cm (3 feet and 2 inches) high, with a diameter of 30.5 cm (12 inches), weighing a whopping 21 kilos (app. 46 pounds), with a capacity of approximately 30 liters (8 gallons), this huge cup made of silver has been awarded to the winner of the Makuuchi yusho at each tournament since the Haru basho of 1926 (first winner: Yokozuna Tsunenohana). The names of all the rikishi who have won the cup are engraved on the metal plate which is attached to the wooden base of the Tenno-hai. The cup is usually returned to the Sumo Associaton before the start of the next tournament, and the winner gets to keep a small replica. Teppo n/a A form of exercise useful for improving one's thrusting technique. The rikishi slaps a wooden pillar over and over again. Teuchi-shiki n/a A welcoming ceremony for new recruits, held on the final day of each tournament. Those who entered sumo after the last tournament form a circle on the dohyo with the referee and judges and pass around a cup of saké.

Tokei-gakari n/a Timekeeper. One of the judges supervising each bout is assigned the role of timekeeper, and signals the referee when the rituals that precede each match are to end and the bout itself to begin. Tokoyama n/a Sumo's hairdressers, who generally train for at least ten years before completely mastering the elaborate topknot worn during tournaments by salaried rikishi. Tokudawara special rice bale One tawara set a few inches back from the circle at each of the cardinal points, representing the only spots where a step outside the ring does not mean loss of the match. Torikumi Chart (or program) of the upcoming bouts ( Torikumi ) on a particular day of a tournament. Torinaoshi n/a A rematch. The judges, after conferring on a particularly close outcome, may decide to order a rematch. Toshiyori Another name for Oyakata or elder. Toshiyori-kabu Alternative name for "elder name" ( myoseki ). Tsukebito n/a Attendants.

Younger, low-ranked rikishi may be assigned to serve as attendants, or personal assistants, to salaried rikishi or referees qualified to judge juryo - or makuuchi -level bouts. Tsukioshi Techniques involving pushes or thrusts. Tsuna n/a The white, rope-like belt which the yokozuna wears for his individual dohyo-iri , and which symbolizes his rank. Tsuna-uchi The ceremony in which a new yokozuna 's first rope-like belt ( tsuna ) is actually made. Tsuyuharai Tonga Fifita - Biography - IMDb Tonga Fifita Biography Showing all 55 items Jump to: Overview (4) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (1) | Trade Mark (6) | Trivia (35) | Personal Quotes (8) Overview (4) 6' 1½" (1.87 m) Mini Bio (1) Born in the South Pacific island which shares his first name, Tonga 'Uli'uli Fifita was entrenched in athletic competition from an early age. He attended Tonga College, an all-boys school, where the top sport was rugby.

After a troupe of Japanese sumo wrestlers visited the island kingdom in an attempt to drum up local interest in the sport, Fifita was selected at age 14 to join a contingent of Tongan wrestlers for further sumo training in Japan. (Fellow Tongan sumo wrestler Sione Vailahi aka 'The Barbarian' would later follow the same career path.) However, with the generous amounts of money Fifita saw professional wrestlers making in Japan, he decided to change careers, turning pro at 18. After touring various circuits throughout Japan and Canada, he debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1985 as 'King Tonga'. He immediately made an impact as a fan favorite when he bodyslammed Big John Studd on an episode of WWF Superstars (1986). He remained with the company for the next six years, turning heel as 'Haku' after aligning himself with manager Bobby Heenan. In 1987, he formed 'The Islanders' tag team with the 'Tonga Kid' Sam Fatu.

He was crowned 'King' of the WWF in 1988, and teamed with Andre the Giant to defeat Demolition for the WWF tag team championships in 1989. He later turned up in World Championship Wrestling, appearing on WCW Monday Nitro (1995) & WCW Thunder (1998) with an even meaner streak as 'Meng' - master of the Tongan death grip. By 2000, however, with mis-management and financial chaos running rampant in WCW, Tonga was let out of his contract, and hired back on a per-event basis. While celebrating a reign as WCW Hardcore champion, Tonga was contacted by the rival WWF within mere days of his title win at WCW Sin (2001), and was offered a contract. He returned to the WWF soon after, as the 29th entrant in the Royal Rumble (2001). That turned out to be a good business move for him, as WCW was soon shut down and sold off to the WWF.

This time around he formed a temporary alliance with fellow Islander (& Tonga Kid's brother) Rikishi, feuding with the Undertaker & Kane on _"Raw Is War" (1997)_ & WWE Smackdown! (1999). Though now mainly retired from in-ring competition, he continues to be involved in other commercial ventures such as Tri Women's Fitness, where WWE Superstars Torrie Wilson & Victoria are known to have got their start prior to their wrestling careers. He also now works as Detail Manager for Central Florida's David Maus Toyota. Tonga now lives in Poinciana, Florida with his wife Dorothy, sons Tevita, Alipate & Taula and daughter Vika. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous Spouse (1) Finishing move: Tongan Death Grip Trivia (35) Former member of the Heenan Family. Former sumo wrestler, under the name of "Fukonoshima". Was trained by the legendary Jaianto Baba . Former WWE Tag Team champion. Tag team partners have included Rikishi, The Barbarian, André the Giant and the Tonga Kid. Was the Best Man at the wedding of Dwayne Johnson .

First cousin of former Radio & TV Tonga News (2000) reporter Sione Vikilani . When Haku jumped from WCW to WWE in 2001, he was still the WCW Hardcore Champion. WCW never acknowledged the belt again. Haku entered the NWA using the name "Prince Tonga" and was later promoted to "King Tonga". Many believe that Haku began his wrestling career as Lenny or Larry Hurst, but Haku denied this in an interview. Has 2 children - Vika & Tevita, and 2 adopted sons - 'Alipate & Taula, who are actually Haku's nephews by blood. His daughter Vika was an all-county volleyball and softball player at Poinciana High School, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 2004. His son Pate Leone was the leading receiver in Osceola County, Florida during his senior year, scoring 8 touchdowns. 'Alipate later graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Is widely regarded within the wrestling industry as one of the toughest men, both in and out of the ring.

When walking to the ring for his matches, he would shout into the camera, "Mate Ma'a Tonga" (translation: "Die for Tonga"), which is the motto of the school he attended, Tonga College. He also usually writes this phrase next to his name when signing autographs. In the Powers of Pain shoot wrestling interview DVD released by RF Video, wrestlers Warlord & Barbarian talk about how Haku once knocked out four men single-handedly at a night club, after the men would not stop taunting him with disparaging racial remarks. Was the only man ever to hold the WWF Tag Team Championship with André the Giant . His son Tevita Fifita was a defensive end football player for the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), having played at the Houston Bowl. Is referred to as Uncle Tonga, in Dwayne Johnson 's autobiography, 'The Rock Says'. He helped Rock with his first professional WWF match, lending Dwayne a pair of his old electric purple wrestling tights (which were too big on Dwayne).

Although not a blood relative of the Rock, Tonga has been a good family friend for all of Dwayne's life, as Tonga was very close to the Rock's late grandfather, Samoan wrestler, 'High Chief' Peter Maivia. Is one of only two Tongans to have wrestled for both the WWF & WCW. The other is his former tag team partner Sione Vailahi (a.k.a. The Barbarian). Coincidentally, prior to their professional wrestling careers in the United States, both men trained in Japan as Sumo wrestlers, although Tonga started Sumo training several years before Sione did. First-cousin of Australian Wallabies rugby player Tatafu Polota-Nau . In 1995, Haku became Meng in WCW. He served as a bodyguard for Colonel Rob Parker's Stud Stable. When he first moved to the United States, he refereed matches in the Amarillo territory. His son Tevita Fifita earned his bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Texas at El Paso in December 2004, later choosing to pursue a master's degree in public administration. Former WCW Hardcore Champion.

Has a scar on his upper right arm as the result of a shark attack in his native homeland. In Chris Jericho 's autobiography 'A Lion's Tale', Chris mentions that Tonga ended up killing the shark with his bare hands. Wore his 'Meng' wrestling attire while appearing in the Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998) episode, 'Festival of Death'. His wrestling name - Haku - is the first word uttered by Dwayne Johnson in The Mummy Returns (2001). Won a Slammy Award in 1986, in the 'Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Scholarship Award' category. His sons, Pate Leone , Tevita Fifita and Taula Koloamatangi were trained for professional wrestling by Mark LoMonaco and Devon Hughes (a.k.a. The Dudley Boyz). Tevita was signed to a WWE developmental contract in early 2009, later wrestling on the WWE Smackdown! (1999) roster as Camacho.

Pate signed on as Tama Tonga with New Japan Pro Wrestling, while Taula made his in-ring debut as Hikule'o at NJPW's On the Mat (2016) iPPV. His middle name, Uliuli, means "black" in Tongan. When Gary Hart created the Great Kabuki character, Tonga Fifita was considered for the role, but was ultimately deemed too young at the time, as Tonga was in his late teens. The Great Kabuki gimmick ended up being given to Akihisa Mera . Worked in Florida as a car salesman. [June 2005] Worked as a detail manager for David Maus Toyota in central Florida. [October 2006] WCW booker Kevin Sullivan gave him the name Meng, based on the Flash Gordon (1936) villain, Ming the Merciless. Personal Quotes (8) On WWE Hall-of-Famer Big John Studd : "John is a difficult man to describe. He was big and strong, and I was grateful that he was willing to work with me." On Sam Fatu a.k.a.

The Tonga Kid: "I had a great time with the Kid -- we were both young. He was unbelievable. He could talk, he could wrestle, and he could fly." On his former manager, Bobby Heenan : "He was funny. I wished sometimes that the people could hear him. They saw him as a manager and an announcer. If only they could have seen him away from the ring and the TV. He was the funniest person to be around. We used to laugh all day long." On former tag-team partner, André the Giant : "I was thankful to be a part of the Colossal Connection. Working with the Giant was something that I can only describe as awe inspiring." On Vince McMahon : "I'm not trying to kiss Vince McMahon's ass but he's great. The way he created the Superstars, the way he created what's going on today (in WWE) -- it's unbelievable." On Stone Cold Steve Austin : "We were in WCW together. He was a great wrestler, but all of a sudden, WCW let him go. And now look at him!

He's a main event superstar today." On Dwayne Johnson : "I've known this kid since he was a baby, and look at where he is today. I'm glad to see that. Sometimes I sit back and wonder what his grandfather Peter Maivia would say about his grandson." On his reputation for being the sport's most legitimate tough guy: "I came up in the days when you had to be tough to protect yourself as a wrestler, especially outside the ring. For the bad-guy wrestlers mainly, it was really tough for us to walk into a bar or other places, because challenges would be made against us. People would call the business fake, and it was my duty to defend the business -- that's how I put bread on the table. I had a lot of fights because I take great pride in being a wrestler and in defending my friends. But I'm not tough. I believe all wrestlers are tough -- in different ways. They all believe in protecting the business and protecting themselves." See also

Question: Translating as 'strong man', rikishi is the name given to a participant in what sport?
Answer: SUMO WRESTLING